Get cozy this fall with the ultimate Moscow Mule twist: the Apple Cider Moscow Mule. This cocktail is the perfect companion for a crisp autumn evening, whether celebrating Thanksgiving or enjoying the season's charm with loved ones.
Imagine the deep, rich flavor of apple cider mingling effortlessly with the sharp kick of ginger beer and vodka. For an extra touch of autumn warmth, try using a vodka with a hint of cinnamon or caramel—it really brings out the apple notes beautifully.
Top it all off with fresh apple slices and one gorgeous star anise for garnish, and you're in for a treat that feels as inviting as a sweater on a cool day. This cocktail doesn’t just taste amazing; it transports you to a world where the days get shorter, but the moments become even more special.
And here's the best part: the Apple Cider Moscow Mule is a "built" cocktail, meaning you whip it up directly in the serving glass. No need for fancy shakers—just mix, garnish, and enjoy. Whether you're sipping on the porch or next to a crackling fire, this drink is your ticket to fall bliss.
🥘 Ingredients
- Apple Cider - Opt for a high-quality apple cider that suits your taste. Whether it’s a local favorite or an artisanal brand, the cider's flavor is key to this cocktail's success. Choose a cider with a robust apple flavor and a hint of spice for an extra autumnal touch.
- Vodka - Use unflavored vodka to keep the cocktail balanced, but if you want to enhance the apple's natural sweetness, consider a cinnamon or caramel-infused vodka.
- Ginger Beer - The ginger beer you choose can make or break your Moscow Mule. Go for one with a strong, spicy kick to complement the sweetness of the cider. At the end of this post, you'll find our top recommendations for the best ginger beers specifically for Moscow Mules, so be sure to check that out!
- Lime Juice - Freshly squeezed lime juice is non-negotiable for the best flavor. It adds just the right amount of tangy brightness to balance the sweetness of the cider.
- Fresh Apple Slices and Star Anise (for garnish) - These aren’t just for looks—they add a subtle, aromatic finish to your cocktail. Thinly sliced apples will infuse the drink with a hint of fresh apple flavor. Star anise adds a fragrant spice note that enhances the overall autumn vibe.
- Cubed Ice - Don’t overlook the importance of ice! Use plenty of cubed ice to keep your cocktail perfectly chilled and to ensure the flavors meld together beautifully. The cubes also help maintain the drink's balance, slowly diluting it just enough as you sip.
See the recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Start by pouring the apple cider, vodka, and lime juice directly into your copper mug or serving glass.
Step 2: Next, fill the mug with ice cubes to chill the drink.
Step 3: Pour ginger beer over the ice until the mug is full.
Step 4: Use a bar spoon to stir the cocktail thoroughly. As you stir, guide the spoon along the inner side of the mug, turning the ice to evenly cool the drink, much like you would with cocktails such as the Martinez or Old Fashioned.
Step 5: Garnish with fresh apple slices and a star anise. Now, your cocktail is ready to enjoy.
Note: The Moscow Mule is a "built" cocktail, meaning it’s crafted directly in the serving glass or traditional copper mug—no need for a shaker.
💕 Perfect Pairing
- Cranberry Bundt Cake—This cake, with its blend of cinnamon, dark chocolate chips, and dried cranberries, perfectly complements the warm, spiced notes of the Apple Cider Moscow Mule.
- Apple Compote - A classic autumnal treat, this apple compote can be served warm or cold. It's a simple yet delicious side that enhances the drink's flavor profile.
- Chocolate Espresso Crinkle Cookies - These cookies, with their rich chocolate and coffee flavors, provide a deeper, more complex sweetness that pairs well with the cocktail.
- Fig Cheesecake in a Jar (No-Bake) - The fig jam adds an extra layer of sweetness that works wonderfully with the cocktail's apple and cinnamon notes.
🍻 Ginger Beer Brands to Choose From
- Barritt's Ginger Beer - A classic choice with a smooth and slightly sweet flavor, Barritt’s ginger beer offers a lighter ginger presence that pairs well with the cider’s fruitiness.
- Hollows & Fentimans Ginger Beer - A naturally brewed ginger beer that’s less sweet and has a strong, authentic ginger kick, which pairs perfectly with the apple cider's sweetness.
- Fever-Tree Ginger Beer - Known for its sharp and robust ginger flavor with subtle citrus notes, Fever-Tree's ginger beer balances well with the richness of apple cider.
- Bundaberg Ginger Beer - This Australian favorite has a smooth, rich flavor with a strong ginger spice, making it a great match for the apple and cinnamon notes in your Moscow Mule.
- Q Mixers Ginger Beer - With a crisp, clean taste and a good amount of ginger spice, Q Mixers ginger beer is less sweet, allowing the apple cider flavors to shine through.
- Maine Root Ginger Brew - Offering a bold, spicy ginger flavor with a touch of sweetness, Maine Root’s ginger beer is an excellent choice to complement the apple cider.
- Reed’s Strongest Ginger Beer - If you’re looking for an extra kick, Reed’s Strongest has a powerful ginger bite with balanced sweetness.
🍽 Equipment
- Measuring Tools / Jigger
- Bar Spoon
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Lemon Squeezer
- Copper Mug
💭 Top tips
One key to mastering your home bar is avoiding overly diluting your drinks. You can achieve this by perfecting your stirring technique!
Keep the stirring spoon on the outer edge of the ice, positioned between the ice and the copper mug. Stir gently, ensuring the ice remains centered. This method cools the drink efficiently without melting the ice too quickly, preserving the drink's intended strength and flavor.
🍺 WHY USE A COPPER MUG FOR A MOSCOW MULE?
Using a copper mug for a Moscow Mule enhances the experience in several key ways:
- Temperature: Copper is highly effective at conducting temperature, so your drink stays colder for longer. This ensures that every sip is refreshingly chilled, from start to finish.
- Aesthetics: With their unique, eye-catching appearance, copper mugs add a touch of elegance and novelty to your cocktail. Making your drink not only taste good but also look great.
- Tradition: Since its inception in the 1940s, the Moscow Mule has been traditionally served in copper mugs. This honors its origins and adds an authentic touch to your cocktail experience.
Other Recipes for You to Try
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📖 Recipe
Moscow Mule with Apple Cider
Equipment
- Cutting board & Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 3 oz Vodka 1 ½ oz / 4 cl per mug
- 3 oz Apple cider 1 ½ oz / 4 cl per mug
- 1 ½ oz Fresh lime juice ¾ oz / 2 cl per mug
- Cubed Ice
- 2 Ginger beer 1 per mug
- 2 Fresh apple and star anise for garnish
Instructions
- Pour 3 oz Vodka, 3 oz Apple cider, and 1 ½ oz Fresh lime juice directly into the copper mug.3 oz Vodka, 3 oz Apple cider, 1 ½ oz Fresh lime juice
- Fill the mug with Cubed Ice and top with 2 Ginger beer.Cubed Ice, 2 Ginger beer
- Stir briefly with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with 2 Fresh apple and star anise.2 Fresh apple and star anise
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
⛑️ Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For further information, check Safe Food Handling - FDA.
Krystle says
We love this easy fall cocktail. The cider and ginger beer is an incredible combo!
Nora says
Thank you so much, Krystle!
Criss says
I made the Moscow Mule with Apple Cider, and it’s the perfect fall twist on a classic! So refreshing and cozy at the same time. Thanks for the recipe!
Nora says
That is so awesome! Thank you, Criss! I am so glad you liked it!
Juyali says
I was so excited to try this drink, and it was everything I hoped for. I'll be making this again. Another great drink recipe from your site! ❤️ 😊
Nora says
I feel flattered! Thank you for the kind words! I'm very happy that you like my recipes so much!
JC says
The perfect fall cocktail! Will be making on repeat!
Nora says
That is wonderful! Thank you, JC!
Swathi says
Apple cider moscow mule is so refresshing and festive loved it.
Nora says
That is wonderful! Thank you, Swathi!